Ok, I have had this idea for awhile but I won't be able to act on it for a few years probably, because of where I am at in life right now, BUT I am wondering if anyone has heard of this type of rescue work and the more I learn now the better of I'll be:

What I want to do is provide a rescue for dogs and cats whose owners have to be placed/moved to nursing homes or assisted living and they can't take their pets with them. And for family members to take pets to where the owner has passed away and no one else can or wants the pet. I've heard of so many sad stories where these poor people put their pet down or have to send them to an animal shelter which may or may not be a "kill" shelter and the owners never know what happens to them. I would like to have a rescue specifically for these pets. Does that sound dumb?

This way, these people will know there pet will be well taken care of and if they are adopted by a loving family they will be able to find that out and maybe even get pictures of their pet with the new family. Would that be possible or just a pipe dream? I'd like to know what everyone else thinks.

I know next to nothing about operating a rescue; of course I could limit the number which I probably would have to do....being a family with jobs and young kids. That will all just have to work out. Look forward to hearing thoughts.

Funny you bring this up...my husband and I recently discussed the need for this type of rescue. Right now, we only take dogs from the local shelters/ municiple facilities and not from individuals, but I am considering expanding into this area. We are guessing that several of the dogs we have wound up in animals control due to this scenario...the need is great and this type of rescue is a wonderful idea...good luck with your plans!

__________________Heaven's Gate Senior Pet Sanctuary- We're proving daily that you can teach an old dog new tricks!

I think it's a great idea. And I know this would be more work, but I think it would also be a good idea if you could somehow allow those who are being placed in nursing homes or assisted living to still see their pets. I think it's so tragic that so many facilities don't allow their residents to have pets, when it would enrich their life so much, especially when their pets are all they really have.

I don't know how many dogs you are thinking of taking in, but if it is a large number, be prepared to kiss your life goodbye. The director of our shelter started it in her backyard 10 years ago. We are now the largest no-kill facility in western North Carolina. She does the work of 10 people every day and hardly ever gets a day off. BUT! She has never been happier. If this is your dream and you think you can do it, go for it! Look in to the local laws, get some grants and some like minded people and see how far you can go. I agree, it breaks my heart to see babies at the pound because thier owners have been moved to a nursing home or died.

There is a group in my area, PetPALS, which began (I believe) as a support service for people with AIDS during the 1980s, but has expanded to assist people with all serious and/or terminal illnesss. They are apparently modelled on other organizations nationwide.

"The PetPALS Mission... PetPALS recognizes the importance of pets in the lives of many individuals, especially those faced with a serious illness. We strive to ensure animal companionship for as long as practically possible. Services offered to clients include home petcare and exercise, provision of pet supplies and food, free or subsidized veterinary care, short-term foster care, and permanent adoption. We further seek to educate the public about the benefits of animal companionship and responsible pet guardianship."

I don't know how many dogs you are thinking of taking in, but if it is a large number, be prepared to kiss your life goodbye. The director of our shelter started it in her backyard 10 years ago. We are now the largest no-kill facility in western North Carolina. She does the work of 10 people every day and hardly ever gets a day off. BUT! She has never been happier. If this is your dream and you think you can do it, go for it! Look in to the local laws, get some grants and some like minded people and see how far you can go. I agree, it breaks my heart to see babies at the pound because thier owners have been moved to a nursing home or died.

I agree. Rescue is something you have to be totally committed to. Not that you aren't but it is an emotional, heart-breaking thing to do. I think this is a great idea. I can send you information on starting a rescue and grant information as soon as I get it. It's tough but extremely rewarding. Good luck.

There is a rescue in our area that take only dogs from owners that have to go into hospital long term, or there has been a death in the family, there is also one I think its called pets for kids that takes in dogs that are in homes with domestic violence and the mother and children have to go into some form of shelter to get away from the violent husband. once the mother has a home for her and children the dog is returned.

I think it's a wonderful idea, and as others have stated, be prepared to devote every facet of your life to the cause, as it will consume every waking moment you have.

It's also a very costly endeavor, but for those that are truly dedicated and commited to the cause, know that there is always money somewhere...you just may have to become highly creative to find it. Benefits, auctions, grants, and drives are good ways to raise money, but are a lot of work to organize and plan.